Group offers alternatives to proposed ordinance for 'prostitution-free zones'

Group offers alternatives to 'prostitution-free zones'

May 18, 2011

Produced by Eight Forty-Eight

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart has worked with groups like CAASE to raise awareness about prostitution.

Chicago's City Council is considering an ordinance to curb certain street activities. Alderman Jason Ervin of the 28th Ward wants to establish so-called "prostitution-free zones". These zones would be off-limits to people who have a history of prostitution-related activity. Eight Forty-Eight's Alison Cuddy spoke to Ervin about the ordinance.

But not all groups are in support of the measure. CAASE, or The Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, thinks the ordinance won’t stop prostitution, and they also believe it could further stigmatize women with a history in the business.

The group wants a different approach. They’re part of a multi-organization effort to change how law enforcement handles prostitution arrests statewide.

To learn more about this perspective, Eight Forty-Eight spoke to CAASE advocacy director Lynne Johnson.

Music Button: If These Trees Could Talk, "the Flames of Herostratus", from the CD Above The Earth Below The Sky, (self released)